The Lego Movie videogame lives up to expectations. Photograph: Observer

What's the story

The Lego Movie was an assured success. Although Warner likely didn't dare to predict it would be as much of a hit as it has proven to be, it was a no-brainer for them to have TT Games prepare another one of their action-adventure games for release at around the same time.

Gameplay

Unlike those Lego games that are based more on the general gist of a franchise, this one closely follows the events of the film. The plot is conveyed through levels that involve switching between characters to overcome obstacles, interspersed with cut scenes taken from the film. Added action extends the capacity for actual play, but sticks close to the script.

Highs and lows

The familiar, satisfying act of smashingup the scenery to build new objects makes more sense here than it does in some of the other Lego games, especially with the additions of "master builders" and building from instructions. Other influences from the film are less enjoyable, with repetitive combat and humour that is mostly relegated to the cut scenes.

The verdict

Other Lego games take the core of a franchise and build the game around that, adding humour along the way. Here, the necessary reliance on the already Lego-themed source material weakens the end result. It's still fun to play, but it's a shame that the game couldn't match the impact of the film.